Zeppelin Friedrichshafen men's watch with automatic movement

Some watches run on batteries, and some run on the simple motion of your wrist, and this Zeppelin belongs firmly in the second camp. It carries the name Friedrichshafen, the German city where Zeppelin's airships once took off on their long journeys, and that sense of engineering heritage comes through in every detail of the case. At 40mm across, it sits comfortably on the wrist without demanding attention, which makes it just as easy to wear into a meeting as it is to wear out for dinner afterwards. The case is built from stainless steel, giving you a watch that can handle daily knocks and scrapes without flinching. It's a piece designed for someone who wants a genuine mechanical watch, not a disposable accessory.

Look closer and you'll find a dial finished in a soft Clous de Paris pattern, white around the edge with a deep green centre that catches the light differently depending on how you tilt your wrist. White hands and Arabic numerals keep things easy to read at a glance, and a day display adds a small practical touch you'll actually end up using. Inside sits a Citizen Miyota 8285 automatic movement with 21 jewels, a workhorse known for reliability rather than flashiness, the kind of movement that just keeps going year after year. The crystal is K1 mineral glass, tougher against scratches than standard glass, and the case is rated to 5 ATM, so a splash from the sink or an unexpected downpour won't cause you any trouble. Strapped to it all is a light brown leather band with visible hand stitching and a subtle crocodile-style texture, the sort of detail that gives the watch a bit of quiet character without shouting about it.

Specifications

• Model: Friedrichshafen 8562-2
• Case material: stainless steel
• Diameter: 40mm, thickness: 12mm
• Movement: automatic, Citizen Miyota 8285 (21 jewels)
• Glass: K1 mineral
• Water resistance: 5 ATM
• Strap: brown leather with hand stitching

If you've been looking for an automatic watch that steps away from the usual black or white dial, the green centre on this Friedrichshafen gives you something a little different to wear. The leather strap will soften and develop its own character the longer you keep it on, so it only gets better looking over time. Put it on in the morning, and chances are you'll forget it's even there, which for a watch is about as good a compliment as it gets.